Profile: Robert Passal
by allthebest • 18 Mar ’08 • profile, Robert Passal • 9 Comments
In my opinion whimsy, drama, sophistication, refinement and coziness are all hallmarks of a great room. For me Robert Passal ticks all the right boxes. I am currently obsessed with his brilliant creativeness, especially the Gramercy Park residence he designed.
After receiving a degree from the State University of New York in Albany, Robert enrolled in the School of Interior Design at The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and immediately realized that design was in his blood.
In May 2005, Robert Passal was selected as a featured designer in the nations most prestigious show house Kips Bay Decorator Show House. The New York Times, New York Newsday and The Financial Times all highlighted his work. The 2005 October Edition of House and Garden magazine features Robert’s work with the New York Yankees Jorge Posada in his Upper East Side residence in New York.
If I could fly anyone to Scotland to help me with my home I would employ Robert in a heartbeat. Maybe one day…
What designers past or present do you most admire?
Alberto Pinto, Oscar de laRenta, Tony Duquette, Vicente Wolf, Parrish Hadley. All are designers who are true to themselves and their sense of style.
What is the one thing you can’t live without?
My Journal. I learned to journal from Julia Cameron. I am a true advocate of her work and The Artist’s Way. Journaling has enriched my days helping me to organize myself, my thought process and designs.
Who are your favorite artists?
Basquiat, Diego Giacometti, Michael Lucero, Reinaldo Sanguino and Rudd van Empel.
What is your most prized possession?
My Pride
What is your greatest accomplishment to date?
Learning to be grateful. In this era of excess it is truly important to be thankful every day.
What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Being eternally confident in my abilities to help those around me, and expecting nothing in return. Paying it forward…
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Installations and watching my visions and concepts come to fruition.
What books are on your bedside table?
You On A Diet because I’m always on a diet. New Classicists by William T. Baker and an eternal stack of shelter magazines.
Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend the day?
I would have loved to have been able to spend an evening with Andy Warhol at Studio 54. What more could you ask for?
What inspires your ideas and designs?
Walking. Wherever I may be, walking allots me the opportunity to explore and discover. I love walking the streets of New York. I’ve lived here my entire life yet I
still discover treasures every step of the way.
Profile by Ronda Carman
Great profile Ronda. His work is just wonderful.
Thank you. Enjoyed the interveiw as usual.
Love that he journals and walks. Inspirational Interiors
& profile.
Great rooms!!Love the book The Artist’s Way.
I just loved the room he designed for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House. It really was stunning.
Kay
Great interview. Question – should any man be so handsome? Is it fair?
Beautiful rooms. So cozy and inviting.
Great profile as usual! I agree that walking and keeping one’s eyes open is wonderfully inspirational. It always works for me.
Thank you for this great interview and introduction! I didn’t realize he had designed the Gramercy residences. I did a post tonight on the Gramercy Park Hotel. Great post Rhonda!
Karen